As the world focuses on the papal conclave in Rome, Bishop Claudio Lurati from Egypt reflects on the unpredictable nature of the election process. He notes that the Middle East and North Africa, despite housing only 1% of global Catholics, play a pivotal role in the Church. The upcoming conclave may extend for days as the 133 cardinals, many meeting for the first time, lack clear factions. Lurati suggests that the cardinals will be inspired by the Holy Spirit as they navigate the election.
"It is totally unpredictable," he smiles. The region that encompasses the Middle East and North Africa is home to only around 1% of the world's Catholics, but maintains an integral role both spiritually and politically for the Church, not least as it encompasses the Holy Land.
"We don't see really clear parties. So this may make the process long. People might be freer to follow their conscience and what I believe the Holy Spirit will inspire them to do," he told Euronews.
"They also need some basic time to know each other," he adds. This is the first time that many of the 133 cardinals from 70 countries at the conclave have met in person, of whom 108 were appointed by the late Pope Francis.
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